A latest report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has revealed that global climate change adaptation efforts are falling behind, with global warming projected to exceed 1.5°C, while climate-related losses and damages continue to mount in developing countries such as Malawi.

The report shows that the situation is being exacerbated by inadequate funding for developing countries, which need approximately $305 billion annually by 2035 to adapt to climate change.

It further indicates that international public adaptation finance from developed to developing countries increased by only 1 billion US dollars between 2023 and 2024.

The report stresses that tripling public adaptation finance by 2035 would cover at most 29 percent of developing countries' adaptation needs.

Environmentalist Godfrey Mfiti says carbon trading, coupled with the adoption of electric vehicles, could help Malawi generate resources from its natural environment to finance climate change adaptation initiatives and bridge the existing funding gap.

“We are in a situation whereby we are going to COP31with reduced funding, so we need to urge the delegates going to COP31 to bargain for a proper deal especially in the carbon trading,” noted Mfiti.

Another expert, Maloto Chinkombero, who supports the call, says Malawi must prioritize environmental restoration and use its own resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change rather than heavily relying on donor support.

“We have to strategize and prioritize the locally generated funds. We have to make sure that we are investing in environmental conservation and climate change matters,” said Chinkombero.

Malawi has been grappling with the impact of climate change including floods and dry spells among others.